CA1267177A - Flanged connector for grooved end pipe components - Google Patents
Flanged connector for grooved end pipe componentsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1267177A CA1267177A CA000491285A CA491285A CA1267177A CA 1267177 A CA1267177 A CA 1267177A CA 000491285 A CA000491285 A CA 000491285A CA 491285 A CA491285 A CA 491285A CA 1267177 A CA1267177 A CA 1267177A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flange
- pipe
- annular
- segment
- circumferential
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000669 biting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001627 detrimental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012056 semi-solid material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004513 sizing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011343 solid material Substances 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Flanged Joints, Insulating Joints, And Other Joints (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A flange connector is disclosed which has a rib for engaging grooved end pipe in order to secure the flange thereon. The flange includes a hinge and clamp outside the working surface so that a full thickness flange results.
Standard uniform sized flange holes are provided so that assembly is facilitated.
A flange connector is disclosed which has a rib for engaging grooved end pipe in order to secure the flange thereon. The flange includes a hinge and clamp outside the working surface so that a full thickness flange results.
Standard uniform sized flange holes are provided so that assembly is facilitated.
Description
67~'7~7 ' Il A. D. Nalhandian - 1 FLANGED CONNECTOR FOR GROOVED-END PIPE COMPONENTS f . .... ..............~
RELA'rED APPLICATION
This Application is related to a co-pending application entitled "Flanged Connector for Plain-End Pipe Components", filed on ev~n date herewith, and assigned to the assignee herein.
BACRGROUND OF INVENTION
The invention relates to pipe connectors and specifically to flanged connectors for grooved-end pipes and piping components, such as fittings, valves, pumps and the like.
The novel flange connector of the present invention provides a connector fox pipes and piping components which have a circumferentially grooved end. The flange comprises at least two annular members having a circumferential internal rib portion. The annular members form circumferential segments of a cylinder which, when attached together, form a cylinder surrounding the pipe end. The rib engages the groove in the pipe for securing the flange in place.
In a preferred embodiment the novel flange is equipped with hinging and bolting means which connect two or more annular segments of the flange together.
i' The flange has a a planar front surface having a gasket cavity formed therein. A gasket of pressure responsive or fl deformable solid or semi-solid material is housed inside the gasket cavity when the rular se~ents are as-embled about ~7~77 A. D. Nalbandian - 1 the pipe. Likewise the gasket engages the surface of the pipe for sealing the same with respect to the flange. The flange cooperates with a flange on another pipe or pip2 component to couple the same together. When assembled adjacent another flange~, t~e gas~et is compressed within the cavity to seal one flange relative to another.
The flange segments of the present invention provide a planar front surface for through bolting an area of full thickness. It is preferred that no sections of the workinq surfaces of the flange segments extend beyond the outside diameter of a specific flange size. The preferred bolt holes are arranged in a standard pattern, are uniform in size and utilize standard bolts which are generally accepted by the piping industry~
A portion of a preassembled hinge mechanism is located on the end of each annular segment outside of the flange outer diameter OD. The hinge employed between two annular segments, once assembled, provides full body thickness at the connecting end of each segment. Also, because the hinge is outside of the flange OD, uniform standard size bolts may be used through each of the bolt holes in the flange body proper.
Unlike the flange device of the prior art device described in Blakeley, U.S. Patent No. 3,761,114, the novel flange of the present invention does not use a sleeve as a hinge pin which acts as an inside diameter for a bolt having smaller than a standard bolt diameter. The present invention does not use an oversize bolt aperture through the connecting end portion which includes a wedge means to assist in the assembly of the complete flange assembly on the grooved pipe as in Thiessen, U.S. Patent No. 3,895,833.
(` ~2~7~t7~ :
A. D. Nalbandian - 1 The present invention also provides a simple means for hinging the annular segments together or bolting the same together using standard size and conventional bolting means as opposed to the complex bolt arrangements disclosed in -Bridgesj U.S. Patent -~o;--3,652,i~82. Further, the present invention provides for a tight circumferential seal and gapless arrangement in a full bodied flange which is not achieved by BridgesO
The flange of the present invention has a cylindrical inside surface with a radius of curvature about equal to that of the pipe about which it is to be assembled. Thus, when the flange is assembled it has a cylindrical through opening with an ID corresponding to the OD of the pipe. The flange also has a rib member protruding radially into the ID
of the central opening of the flange. The rib is sized so as to fit within the groove OD to thereby lock the flange axially with respect to the end of the pipe. The rib also incorporates key members which, depending on their size, provide relative adjustment of the flange with respect to the end of the pipe. The keys also provide biting action in order to lock the flange rotationally with respect to the pipe.
In assembling the novel flange of the present invention, the gasket is positioned on the end of the pipe `i just ahead of the groove. The hinged flange is then fitted over the gasket and therearound with the rib fit into the-groove. The free ends of the annular segments are bolted together using a loosely fitting swingable bolt means in an oversize hole and slot arrangement to thereby complete the flange. Radial faces of the annular memibers butt together.
When the bolt means is tightened, the gap between the annular members is closed. The bolt means of the flange is designed to eliminate the need for special tools to bring the ends of the flange together.
~3 '77 i A. D. Nalbandian - 1 1 i¦ When the flange assembly is properly installed with the various parts seated together, standard size flange bolts may be installed through each bolt hole for mating the flange with another adjacent flange for providing a leak tight joint.
The degree of rigidity of a Joint is determined by the size and configuration of the key members located adjacent the rib. The design of the present invention, of course, may be used with various size pipes known in the art.
Some of the advantages of the present invention are noted hereinafter. For example, the flange is simple to install and requires a minimum of effort. In a preferred arrangement, the flange provides a hinge and swingable bolt locking mechanism which eliminates the need for use of additional tools in the assembly. Full thickness is provided at the connecting ends of each flange segment to I maintaln uniform strength through the whole body thereof.
j The use of substandard, undersize or oversize bolts is also eliminated by use of the uniform bolt hole arrangement.
Thus, there is less chance of error in assembly when all of the components are the same size. The flange of the present invention provides a swingable action bolting means on the ¦ connecting ends of the flange members which allows the connection of the ends without the removal of the bolting j means~ Leak tightness is enhanced because the gap between ¦11 the connecting ends of the flange segments is effectively ¦¦ ~ closed by the bolting means provided. The resilient sasket provides necessary integrity between the pip s, the flange and an a(jacent flange.
!
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~ ~2671~7~ I
A. D. Nalbandlan - 1 j The flange connector of the present invention thus provides a joint between interconnected pipes and pipe components which is rigid, in that, the invention limits the relative motlon of the pipe or piping components in the angular, rotational and axlal directions. The present invention further provi~es an improved circumferential seal arrangement for providing a relatively leak tight connection.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIO~
There has been provided a flange type connector for-grooved-end pipe or piping components. The flange includes at least two arcuate annular flange segments, each having front and rear radial faces and an inner peripheral cylindrical surface formed with a radially inwardly extending rib adjacent the rear radial face. The rib is adapted to fit into a correspondingly sized circumferential groove adjacent the end of a pipe. The groove is located so that when assembled on the pipe, the front radial face of the flange is flush with the end of a pipe. The front radial face has a circumferential recess extending radially outwardly of the pipe, and a circumferential seal of resilient material is adapted to be located about the pipe and accommodated in the recess. A plurality of uniformly sized standard through holes are provided in the flange segments at uniformly spaced circumferential and radial positions. The flange holes are adapted to receive conventional standard flange bolts or fasteners for securing one flange to a corresponding mating flange on a pipe component ko wh~ch it is to be secured. Each flange segment 7~7~
A . D . Nalband lan - 1 has a radially extending hinge ear having a through hole therein with an axis parallel to the flange segment. E~ch ear is adapted to oppose and compliment the other with the hinge holes in alignment. An axial pin hin~edly connects the hinge ears. The op~osite end of each flange segment is formed with a radially extending clamping ear having openings therein adapted to receive a pivoting clamp bolt for clamping the hinged annular segments together circumferentially about the pipe component. The hinged pin and clamp bolt are located radially outwardly of the outer periphery of tbe radial faces of the flange.
DESCRIPTION OF T~E DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the hinged flange of the present invention, along with a grooved-end piping component.
~ igu~e 2 is a fragmented front elevation of the hinged flange connector shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a vertical section taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a detail of a tooth or key for circumferentially locking the flange in the groove.
Figure 5 is a detail of a seal compressed by an , opposed flange.
DESCRIPTION OF T~E PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
~ Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective of a flange connector 10 employing the teachings of the present invention. The flange is adapted to engage a conventional pipe 6 having a groove 8 formed near i~s end 9. It should be understood that the the present invention utilized with a conventional pipe 6 is merely exemplary of one application of the invention. Other applications include the use of the flange connector of the present invention with other known piping components.
, i, '.
12 ~ 717 7 A. D. Nalbandian - 1 In the preferred embodiment, the flange 10 includes ! at least two semi-circular annular flange segments 12 and 14 formed with respective front and rear radial surfaces 15 and 17 and a joining cylindrical inner surface 16 having an inside radius of curva~ur~ r me~sured from center C. An integral inwardly radially projecting rib 18 is formed on .
surface 16. The rib 18 is positioned at a distance 1 from the front 15 of the flange 10 and extends axially of the cylindrical surface 16 from near a vertical center line CL
of the flange 10 to near the rear surface 17 to which it is . joined by tapered surface 24. When ioined together as .
hereinafter described, the respective annular segments 12 and 14 circumferentially engage the pipe 6 in mating relationship by means of the rib 18. The groove 8 is positioned so that when engaged by the rib 18, the front - Ij surface 15 of the flange 10 is flush with the end 9 of the I pipe 8.
~ The generally planar front surface 15, sometimes . referred to as working surface 15~ has a recess 20 formed therein for receiving a seal 28. The working surface . extends between a margin 20A of recess 20 to a perpherial margin 15A of each annular segment 12 and 14. The recess 20 includes frustro-conical surface 20C extending from the front surface 15 inwardly of the flange 10, and radial `
;. surface 20R extending from the cylindrical surface 16 radially towards the conical surface 20C. The seal is I sleeved over the end 9 of the pipe 8 and into ~ngagement ¦I with the respective surfaces 20C and 20 of the recess 20.
The annular segments 12 and 14 have a plurality of circumferentially positioned through holes 26. The holes 26 are located at a uniform circumferential spacing and are radially positioned at-a distance R from the center C of the flange 10. The holes 26 have a uniform diameter d, all sized for receiving standard flange bolts 27. (See Figure 5).
I ~2~7 lL~7~ , A. D. Nalbandian - 1 ¦I Web cutouts 30 in the front face 15 of the annular segments 12 and 14 are provided for reducing the weight and ¦ volume of the flange material.
¦ Trapezodial locking keys 30 project outwardly from the ¦ cylindrical surface 16 of the flange segments 12 and 14.
The keys 32 are adjoined to the rib 18 as shown in Figures 2 and 4.
The preferred flange 10 of the present invention is ¦ formed with a hinge 34 on one side and a clamp 40 at an ¦ opposite diametric side. Each annular segment 12 and 14 has ¦ radial surfaces 22R adapted to butt against the corresponding radial surfaces of the other when assembled ¦ into the flange of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, using two annular segments, the radial faces 22R
¦ lie in a diametric plane of the flange 10.
¦I Each annular segment 12 and 14 includes a ¦ respective corresponding hinge ear 36 and 38, each of which is adapted to compliment the other in opposed relationship.
Each of the respective hinge ears 36 and 38 has a corresponding through hole 36' and 38',in axial alignment when the flange sections 12 and 14 are located in butting relationship along the radial surfaces 22R as shown. A
hinge pin 39 is axially sleeved in the holes 36' and 38' for forming a moveable hinge connection between the two annular Il segme~ts 12 ~nd 14. -I Each flange sesment 12 and 14 includes a respective clamp ear 42 and 44 located at its other free end. The clamp ear 42 has a radially open elongated hole 46 formed therein, and the clamp ear 44 has a radially open slot 48 formed herein. Bolt means 50, shown axially located iD ehe .1 l l l Il 8 ~7~ ~7 `~ A. D. Nalbandl~an - 1 hole 46 and slot 48, urges opposed working surfaces 56 and 58 of the clamp 40 towards one another for securing the flange in circumferential relationship about the pipe 6.
The hole 46 is oversized in the radial direction and allows the bolt means 50 to s~in~ there~n ~or ease of flange assembly as shown in -~he phantom illustration in Figure 2.
As the flange 10 is closed by means of the clamp 40, the conical surface 20C of the recess 20 engages a corresponding surface of the seal 28 for compressin~ the same in a radial direction.
Figure 5 shows a detail of the seal 28 when a flange 100 of any type is located in abutment with the flange 10 of the present invention. It can be seen that the seal 28 is deformed and urged inwardly of the recess 20 such that the butting surfaces of the flanges are sealedO The seal, shown in the relaxed condition in Figure 3 is formed with a recess 68. In Figure 5 the seal 28 is compressed ln the axial direction causing the recess 68 to become constricted for accommodating compression of the seal 28 when placed in abutting relationship with the other flange 100.
An advantage of the present invention is that the front face 15 of the flange 10 has uniformly spaced and sized holes 26 for drawiPg the face 15 uniformly against any abutting flange. Further, the uniform sizing of the holes provides uniform force distribution and avoids confusion in assembly.
Location of the hinge 34 and clamp 40 beyond the peripheral edge 15A of the annular segments 12 and 14, as shown, allows for full and uniform thickness of the annular sections in the working region of the front face 15. It ._q ,.
~ 2671~L7~7 ~¦ A. D. Nalbandian - 1 1 should be understood that the hinge 34 is formed of the respective ears 36 and 38 which are complimentary half-thicknesses of the respective annular segments 12 and 14. Thus, the hinge 34 has no detrimental effect on the ovPrall strength of the flange 10 because it is outside of the working region.
The keys 32 are sized so as to regulate the degree of rigidity of the flanye with respect to the pipe 6 and any adjacent structure. As shown in Figure 4, the axial thickness t of the keys 32 fine tunes or trims the axial position o the f1ange 10 with respect to the end 9 of the pipe 6. As the flange bolts are tightened, the keys 32 bite into the groove for locking the flange 10 circumferentially as well as axially with respect to the pipe 6. It should be ~oted that tapered surface 24 assists the seating and biting action of thP keys 32.
In assembling the flange 10 of the present invention, the seal 28 is positioned on the end 9 of the pipe 6 just ahead of the groove 8. The hinged flange 10 is then fitted over and around the seal 28 and into engagement with the groove 8. The free ends of the annular segments 12 and 14, equipped with the corresponding portions of the clamp 40 allow easy and firm installation of the flange 10 circumferentially about the pipe 5. The bolt means 50 located in the hole 46 is loosely secured by the head 54 and may swing in the hole 46 provided in the clamp ear 42 (see phantom illustration). As the annular segments 12 and 14 are manually closed about the pipe, with the rib 18 located in the groove 8, the bolt 50 may be slipped into the slot 48 of the clamp ear 44. The head 54 of the bolt 50 engages the . ' .
1,1 ~'717~7 ( !~ ~ A. D. Nalbandian - 1 working surface 56 of the clamp ear 42 in opposition to the nut 52 engaging the lower working surface 58 of the other clamp ear 44 as shown. It should be readily appreciated that the preferred bolting arrangement eliminates the need for various specialized tools to bring the ends of the flange together.
When the flange 10 is assembled with the seal 28 properly seated within the recess 20, standarfl size flange bolts 27 may be installed through each of the bolt holes 26 for mating the flange 10 with another flange of the same design or a standard flange of compatible design. The flange bolts may be tightened to a specified torque for providing a leak tight joint. As noted above, the key members 32, located projecting inwardly of the cylindrical surface 16 and axially of the rib 18 engage a forward edge of the groove to lock the flange in place when the flange ~ bolts are tightened. The degree of joint rigidity may be ¦- gsverned by variation in the thickness and shape of the keys 28. Of course, depending upon the design dimensions of the flange 10 of the present invention, it may be used on various sizes and types of pipes, pipe fittings and pipe ¦
components with the proper end prepaxation.
From the foregoing, it should be readily apparent that there are significant advantages of the flange arrangement of the present invention. For example, the flange may be i effectively assembled and disassembled with reduced effort.
The flange provides a hinged and bolt locking mechanism Il which eliminates the need and use of additional tools in the ji assembly of the device. Full body thickness is provided at the working surfaces of the flange for connecting each of 1, .
:
7~7 -- A. D. Nalbandian - 1 the flange segments to maintain uniform strength throughout the whole body thereof. Because the flange bolt holes are uniform, there is less chznce of error in assembly.
Further, use of substa~dard, undersize and oversize bolts is eliminated, thereby fa~ilitating-easy and reliable piping installation. The flange of the present invention provides a bolting mechanism on the bolting ends of the flange segments with an easily swingable action which allows the connection of the ends of the clamp without removal of the bolt. Leak tightness capability is increased because the gap between the connecting ends of the annular flange along the diametric surfaces is effectively closed by the bolt mechanism provided.
There has therefore been provided a butt faced gapless full thickness flange connector having radially extending outboard hinges and clamping means and uniform size bolt holes throughout, which may be readily assembled without special tools or special sized fasteners. The flange of the present invention is readily compatible with existing pipe coupling and flanging systems, as long as such other flanges have corresponding flange hole patterns.
It should be understood that the foregoing description relates to a preferred, çxemplary embodiment of the inventi~n. It is intended in the appended claims to covèr all changes and modifications therein as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
RELA'rED APPLICATION
This Application is related to a co-pending application entitled "Flanged Connector for Plain-End Pipe Components", filed on ev~n date herewith, and assigned to the assignee herein.
BACRGROUND OF INVENTION
The invention relates to pipe connectors and specifically to flanged connectors for grooved-end pipes and piping components, such as fittings, valves, pumps and the like.
The novel flange connector of the present invention provides a connector fox pipes and piping components which have a circumferentially grooved end. The flange comprises at least two annular members having a circumferential internal rib portion. The annular members form circumferential segments of a cylinder which, when attached together, form a cylinder surrounding the pipe end. The rib engages the groove in the pipe for securing the flange in place.
In a preferred embodiment the novel flange is equipped with hinging and bolting means which connect two or more annular segments of the flange together.
i' The flange has a a planar front surface having a gasket cavity formed therein. A gasket of pressure responsive or fl deformable solid or semi-solid material is housed inside the gasket cavity when the rular se~ents are as-embled about ~7~77 A. D. Nalbandian - 1 the pipe. Likewise the gasket engages the surface of the pipe for sealing the same with respect to the flange. The flange cooperates with a flange on another pipe or pip2 component to couple the same together. When assembled adjacent another flange~, t~e gas~et is compressed within the cavity to seal one flange relative to another.
The flange segments of the present invention provide a planar front surface for through bolting an area of full thickness. It is preferred that no sections of the workinq surfaces of the flange segments extend beyond the outside diameter of a specific flange size. The preferred bolt holes are arranged in a standard pattern, are uniform in size and utilize standard bolts which are generally accepted by the piping industry~
A portion of a preassembled hinge mechanism is located on the end of each annular segment outside of the flange outer diameter OD. The hinge employed between two annular segments, once assembled, provides full body thickness at the connecting end of each segment. Also, because the hinge is outside of the flange OD, uniform standard size bolts may be used through each of the bolt holes in the flange body proper.
Unlike the flange device of the prior art device described in Blakeley, U.S. Patent No. 3,761,114, the novel flange of the present invention does not use a sleeve as a hinge pin which acts as an inside diameter for a bolt having smaller than a standard bolt diameter. The present invention does not use an oversize bolt aperture through the connecting end portion which includes a wedge means to assist in the assembly of the complete flange assembly on the grooved pipe as in Thiessen, U.S. Patent No. 3,895,833.
(` ~2~7~t7~ :
A. D. Nalbandian - 1 The present invention also provides a simple means for hinging the annular segments together or bolting the same together using standard size and conventional bolting means as opposed to the complex bolt arrangements disclosed in -Bridgesj U.S. Patent -~o;--3,652,i~82. Further, the present invention provides for a tight circumferential seal and gapless arrangement in a full bodied flange which is not achieved by BridgesO
The flange of the present invention has a cylindrical inside surface with a radius of curvature about equal to that of the pipe about which it is to be assembled. Thus, when the flange is assembled it has a cylindrical through opening with an ID corresponding to the OD of the pipe. The flange also has a rib member protruding radially into the ID
of the central opening of the flange. The rib is sized so as to fit within the groove OD to thereby lock the flange axially with respect to the end of the pipe. The rib also incorporates key members which, depending on their size, provide relative adjustment of the flange with respect to the end of the pipe. The keys also provide biting action in order to lock the flange rotationally with respect to the pipe.
In assembling the novel flange of the present invention, the gasket is positioned on the end of the pipe `i just ahead of the groove. The hinged flange is then fitted over the gasket and therearound with the rib fit into the-groove. The free ends of the annular segments are bolted together using a loosely fitting swingable bolt means in an oversize hole and slot arrangement to thereby complete the flange. Radial faces of the annular memibers butt together.
When the bolt means is tightened, the gap between the annular members is closed. The bolt means of the flange is designed to eliminate the need for special tools to bring the ends of the flange together.
~3 '77 i A. D. Nalbandian - 1 1 i¦ When the flange assembly is properly installed with the various parts seated together, standard size flange bolts may be installed through each bolt hole for mating the flange with another adjacent flange for providing a leak tight joint.
The degree of rigidity of a Joint is determined by the size and configuration of the key members located adjacent the rib. The design of the present invention, of course, may be used with various size pipes known in the art.
Some of the advantages of the present invention are noted hereinafter. For example, the flange is simple to install and requires a minimum of effort. In a preferred arrangement, the flange provides a hinge and swingable bolt locking mechanism which eliminates the need for use of additional tools in the assembly. Full thickness is provided at the connecting ends of each flange segment to I maintaln uniform strength through the whole body thereof.
j The use of substandard, undersize or oversize bolts is also eliminated by use of the uniform bolt hole arrangement.
Thus, there is less chance of error in assembly when all of the components are the same size. The flange of the present invention provides a swingable action bolting means on the ¦ connecting ends of the flange members which allows the connection of the ends without the removal of the bolting j means~ Leak tightness is enhanced because the gap between ¦11 the connecting ends of the flange segments is effectively ¦¦ ~ closed by the bolting means provided. The resilient sasket provides necessary integrity between the pip s, the flange and an a(jacent flange.
!
-4- !
~ ~2671~7~ I
A. D. Nalbandlan - 1 j The flange connector of the present invention thus provides a joint between interconnected pipes and pipe components which is rigid, in that, the invention limits the relative motlon of the pipe or piping components in the angular, rotational and axlal directions. The present invention further provi~es an improved circumferential seal arrangement for providing a relatively leak tight connection.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIO~
There has been provided a flange type connector for-grooved-end pipe or piping components. The flange includes at least two arcuate annular flange segments, each having front and rear radial faces and an inner peripheral cylindrical surface formed with a radially inwardly extending rib adjacent the rear radial face. The rib is adapted to fit into a correspondingly sized circumferential groove adjacent the end of a pipe. The groove is located so that when assembled on the pipe, the front radial face of the flange is flush with the end of a pipe. The front radial face has a circumferential recess extending radially outwardly of the pipe, and a circumferential seal of resilient material is adapted to be located about the pipe and accommodated in the recess. A plurality of uniformly sized standard through holes are provided in the flange segments at uniformly spaced circumferential and radial positions. The flange holes are adapted to receive conventional standard flange bolts or fasteners for securing one flange to a corresponding mating flange on a pipe component ko wh~ch it is to be secured. Each flange segment 7~7~
A . D . Nalband lan - 1 has a radially extending hinge ear having a through hole therein with an axis parallel to the flange segment. E~ch ear is adapted to oppose and compliment the other with the hinge holes in alignment. An axial pin hin~edly connects the hinge ears. The op~osite end of each flange segment is formed with a radially extending clamping ear having openings therein adapted to receive a pivoting clamp bolt for clamping the hinged annular segments together circumferentially about the pipe component. The hinged pin and clamp bolt are located radially outwardly of the outer periphery of tbe radial faces of the flange.
DESCRIPTION OF T~E DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the hinged flange of the present invention, along with a grooved-end piping component.
~ igu~e 2 is a fragmented front elevation of the hinged flange connector shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a vertical section taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a detail of a tooth or key for circumferentially locking the flange in the groove.
Figure 5 is a detail of a seal compressed by an , opposed flange.
DESCRIPTION OF T~E PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
~ Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective of a flange connector 10 employing the teachings of the present invention. The flange is adapted to engage a conventional pipe 6 having a groove 8 formed near i~s end 9. It should be understood that the the present invention utilized with a conventional pipe 6 is merely exemplary of one application of the invention. Other applications include the use of the flange connector of the present invention with other known piping components.
, i, '.
12 ~ 717 7 A. D. Nalbandian - 1 In the preferred embodiment, the flange 10 includes ! at least two semi-circular annular flange segments 12 and 14 formed with respective front and rear radial surfaces 15 and 17 and a joining cylindrical inner surface 16 having an inside radius of curva~ur~ r me~sured from center C. An integral inwardly radially projecting rib 18 is formed on .
surface 16. The rib 18 is positioned at a distance 1 from the front 15 of the flange 10 and extends axially of the cylindrical surface 16 from near a vertical center line CL
of the flange 10 to near the rear surface 17 to which it is . joined by tapered surface 24. When ioined together as .
hereinafter described, the respective annular segments 12 and 14 circumferentially engage the pipe 6 in mating relationship by means of the rib 18. The groove 8 is positioned so that when engaged by the rib 18, the front - Ij surface 15 of the flange 10 is flush with the end 9 of the I pipe 8.
~ The generally planar front surface 15, sometimes . referred to as working surface 15~ has a recess 20 formed therein for receiving a seal 28. The working surface . extends between a margin 20A of recess 20 to a perpherial margin 15A of each annular segment 12 and 14. The recess 20 includes frustro-conical surface 20C extending from the front surface 15 inwardly of the flange 10, and radial `
;. surface 20R extending from the cylindrical surface 16 radially towards the conical surface 20C. The seal is I sleeved over the end 9 of the pipe 8 and into ~ngagement ¦I with the respective surfaces 20C and 20 of the recess 20.
The annular segments 12 and 14 have a plurality of circumferentially positioned through holes 26. The holes 26 are located at a uniform circumferential spacing and are radially positioned at-a distance R from the center C of the flange 10. The holes 26 have a uniform diameter d, all sized for receiving standard flange bolts 27. (See Figure 5).
I ~2~7 lL~7~ , A. D. Nalbandian - 1 ¦I Web cutouts 30 in the front face 15 of the annular segments 12 and 14 are provided for reducing the weight and ¦ volume of the flange material.
¦ Trapezodial locking keys 30 project outwardly from the ¦ cylindrical surface 16 of the flange segments 12 and 14.
The keys 32 are adjoined to the rib 18 as shown in Figures 2 and 4.
The preferred flange 10 of the present invention is ¦ formed with a hinge 34 on one side and a clamp 40 at an ¦ opposite diametric side. Each annular segment 12 and 14 has ¦ radial surfaces 22R adapted to butt against the corresponding radial surfaces of the other when assembled ¦ into the flange of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, using two annular segments, the radial faces 22R
¦ lie in a diametric plane of the flange 10.
¦I Each annular segment 12 and 14 includes a ¦ respective corresponding hinge ear 36 and 38, each of which is adapted to compliment the other in opposed relationship.
Each of the respective hinge ears 36 and 38 has a corresponding through hole 36' and 38',in axial alignment when the flange sections 12 and 14 are located in butting relationship along the radial surfaces 22R as shown. A
hinge pin 39 is axially sleeved in the holes 36' and 38' for forming a moveable hinge connection between the two annular Il segme~ts 12 ~nd 14. -I Each flange sesment 12 and 14 includes a respective clamp ear 42 and 44 located at its other free end. The clamp ear 42 has a radially open elongated hole 46 formed therein, and the clamp ear 44 has a radially open slot 48 formed herein. Bolt means 50, shown axially located iD ehe .1 l l l Il 8 ~7~ ~7 `~ A. D. Nalbandl~an - 1 hole 46 and slot 48, urges opposed working surfaces 56 and 58 of the clamp 40 towards one another for securing the flange in circumferential relationship about the pipe 6.
The hole 46 is oversized in the radial direction and allows the bolt means 50 to s~in~ there~n ~or ease of flange assembly as shown in -~he phantom illustration in Figure 2.
As the flange 10 is closed by means of the clamp 40, the conical surface 20C of the recess 20 engages a corresponding surface of the seal 28 for compressin~ the same in a radial direction.
Figure 5 shows a detail of the seal 28 when a flange 100 of any type is located in abutment with the flange 10 of the present invention. It can be seen that the seal 28 is deformed and urged inwardly of the recess 20 such that the butting surfaces of the flanges are sealedO The seal, shown in the relaxed condition in Figure 3 is formed with a recess 68. In Figure 5 the seal 28 is compressed ln the axial direction causing the recess 68 to become constricted for accommodating compression of the seal 28 when placed in abutting relationship with the other flange 100.
An advantage of the present invention is that the front face 15 of the flange 10 has uniformly spaced and sized holes 26 for drawiPg the face 15 uniformly against any abutting flange. Further, the uniform sizing of the holes provides uniform force distribution and avoids confusion in assembly.
Location of the hinge 34 and clamp 40 beyond the peripheral edge 15A of the annular segments 12 and 14, as shown, allows for full and uniform thickness of the annular sections in the working region of the front face 15. It ._q ,.
~ 2671~L7~7 ~¦ A. D. Nalbandian - 1 1 should be understood that the hinge 34 is formed of the respective ears 36 and 38 which are complimentary half-thicknesses of the respective annular segments 12 and 14. Thus, the hinge 34 has no detrimental effect on the ovPrall strength of the flange 10 because it is outside of the working region.
The keys 32 are sized so as to regulate the degree of rigidity of the flanye with respect to the pipe 6 and any adjacent structure. As shown in Figure 4, the axial thickness t of the keys 32 fine tunes or trims the axial position o the f1ange 10 with respect to the end 9 of the pipe 6. As the flange bolts are tightened, the keys 32 bite into the groove for locking the flange 10 circumferentially as well as axially with respect to the pipe 6. It should be ~oted that tapered surface 24 assists the seating and biting action of thP keys 32.
In assembling the flange 10 of the present invention, the seal 28 is positioned on the end 9 of the pipe 6 just ahead of the groove 8. The hinged flange 10 is then fitted over and around the seal 28 and into engagement with the groove 8. The free ends of the annular segments 12 and 14, equipped with the corresponding portions of the clamp 40 allow easy and firm installation of the flange 10 circumferentially about the pipe 5. The bolt means 50 located in the hole 46 is loosely secured by the head 54 and may swing in the hole 46 provided in the clamp ear 42 (see phantom illustration). As the annular segments 12 and 14 are manually closed about the pipe, with the rib 18 located in the groove 8, the bolt 50 may be slipped into the slot 48 of the clamp ear 44. The head 54 of the bolt 50 engages the . ' .
1,1 ~'717~7 ( !~ ~ A. D. Nalbandian - 1 working surface 56 of the clamp ear 42 in opposition to the nut 52 engaging the lower working surface 58 of the other clamp ear 44 as shown. It should be readily appreciated that the preferred bolting arrangement eliminates the need for various specialized tools to bring the ends of the flange together.
When the flange 10 is assembled with the seal 28 properly seated within the recess 20, standarfl size flange bolts 27 may be installed through each of the bolt holes 26 for mating the flange 10 with another flange of the same design or a standard flange of compatible design. The flange bolts may be tightened to a specified torque for providing a leak tight joint. As noted above, the key members 32, located projecting inwardly of the cylindrical surface 16 and axially of the rib 18 engage a forward edge of the groove to lock the flange in place when the flange ~ bolts are tightened. The degree of joint rigidity may be ¦- gsverned by variation in the thickness and shape of the keys 28. Of course, depending upon the design dimensions of the flange 10 of the present invention, it may be used on various sizes and types of pipes, pipe fittings and pipe ¦
components with the proper end prepaxation.
From the foregoing, it should be readily apparent that there are significant advantages of the flange arrangement of the present invention. For example, the flange may be i effectively assembled and disassembled with reduced effort.
The flange provides a hinged and bolt locking mechanism Il which eliminates the need and use of additional tools in the ji assembly of the device. Full body thickness is provided at the working surfaces of the flange for connecting each of 1, .
:
7~7 -- A. D. Nalbandian - 1 the flange segments to maintain uniform strength throughout the whole body thereof. Because the flange bolt holes are uniform, there is less chznce of error in assembly.
Further, use of substa~dard, undersize and oversize bolts is eliminated, thereby fa~ilitating-easy and reliable piping installation. The flange of the present invention provides a bolting mechanism on the bolting ends of the flange segments with an easily swingable action which allows the connection of the ends of the clamp without removal of the bolt. Leak tightness capability is increased because the gap between the connecting ends of the annular flange along the diametric surfaces is effectively closed by the bolt mechanism provided.
There has therefore been provided a butt faced gapless full thickness flange connector having radially extending outboard hinges and clamping means and uniform size bolt holes throughout, which may be readily assembled without special tools or special sized fasteners. The flange of the present invention is readily compatible with existing pipe coupling and flanging systems, as long as such other flanges have corresponding flange hole patterns.
It should be understood that the foregoing description relates to a preferred, çxemplary embodiment of the inventi~n. It is intended in the appended claims to covèr all changes and modifications therein as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (7)
1. A flange connector for a circumferentially end grooved pipe component comprising: a complimentary pair of annular semi-circular flange segments assembled to form a closed, annular, coaxial flange about the pipe component, the flange having opposed front and rear surfaces and a circumferential surface joining the same, and an inward radially extending rib located on the circumferential surface near the rear face of the flange;
the flange has a central opening sized for receiving the outer diameter of the pipe component and the circumferential rib is sized for extending into the groove in mating relation therewith;
the flange has a circumferential recess with radial and axial surfaces located in the front surface of the flange;
a continuous circumferential seal having a central opening sized to be located about the pipe component and having radially and axial surfaces corresponding to similar surfaces of the recess in the flange is adapted to be located in abutment therewith when the flange is assembled;
each flange segment includes a pair of complimentary overlapping ears each having an axial aperture therein and an axial pin for hingedly connecting the same along an axis parallel with the pipe component; each flange segment further including a radially extending clamp means at respective free ends thereof; the clamp means including bolt means adapted to draw the clamp means together when A. D. Nalbandian - 1 assembling the flange about the pipe component; the flange front surface having a working surface portion located adjacent the pipe and a circumferential margin of said annular flange, and said hinge means and clamp means being located beyond said circumferential margin, said working surface portion having a relatively uniform thickness.
the flange has a central opening sized for receiving the outer diameter of the pipe component and the circumferential rib is sized for extending into the groove in mating relation therewith;
the flange has a circumferential recess with radial and axial surfaces located in the front surface of the flange;
a continuous circumferential seal having a central opening sized to be located about the pipe component and having radially and axial surfaces corresponding to similar surfaces of the recess in the flange is adapted to be located in abutment therewith when the flange is assembled;
each flange segment includes a pair of complimentary overlapping ears each having an axial aperture therein and an axial pin for hingedly connecting the same along an axis parallel with the pipe component; each flange segment further including a radially extending clamp means at respective free ends thereof; the clamp means including bolt means adapted to draw the clamp means together when A. D. Nalbandian - 1 assembling the flange about the pipe component; the flange front surface having a working surface portion located adjacent the pipe and a circumferential margin of said annular flange, and said hinge means and clamp means being located beyond said circumferential margin, said working surface portion having a relatively uniform thickness.
2. A flange connector for a pipe component having a circumferentially grooved end comprising:
at least two annular flange segments hingedly connected at one end and adapted to be clamped at together the other end so as to form a flange coaxially encircling the pipe component;
each annular flange segment having front and rear faces and a circumferential radial face joining the two;
a circumferential rib in the radial face extends centrally of the flange towards the rear face and projects radially inwardly of each annular segment for engaging the groove in the pipe;
the front face has a circumferential recess axially adjacent the rib and radially adjacent the pipe when the flange is assembled thereabout;
an annular seal, adapted to be sleeveably located about the pipe and engaging the recess;
each annular flange segment including radially extending complimentary and overlapping hinge ears having axially aligned through holes therein and a pin located in the holes for forming said hinge, each overlapping portion of the hinge having a thickness less than that of the annular flange segment;
A. D. Nalbandia - 1 clamping means located at the opposite end of the annular segments including a radially extending clamping ear for each annular segment and bolt means for drawing the clamping ears circumferentially towards each other;
each annular segment further including a diametric surface adapted to abut the corresponding diametric surface of the other whereby upon drawing the clamping means together with the rib located in the groove and the seal located in the recess, the diametric surfaces abut forming a gapless full thickness flange connector about said pipe.
at least two annular flange segments hingedly connected at one end and adapted to be clamped at together the other end so as to form a flange coaxially encircling the pipe component;
each annular flange segment having front and rear faces and a circumferential radial face joining the two;
a circumferential rib in the radial face extends centrally of the flange towards the rear face and projects radially inwardly of each annular segment for engaging the groove in the pipe;
the front face has a circumferential recess axially adjacent the rib and radially adjacent the pipe when the flange is assembled thereabout;
an annular seal, adapted to be sleeveably located about the pipe and engaging the recess;
each annular flange segment including radially extending complimentary and overlapping hinge ears having axially aligned through holes therein and a pin located in the holes for forming said hinge, each overlapping portion of the hinge having a thickness less than that of the annular flange segment;
A. D. Nalbandia - 1 clamping means located at the opposite end of the annular segments including a radially extending clamping ear for each annular segment and bolt means for drawing the clamping ears circumferentially towards each other;
each annular segment further including a diametric surface adapted to abut the corresponding diametric surface of the other whereby upon drawing the clamping means together with the rib located in the groove and the seal located in the recess, the diametric surfaces abut forming a gapless full thickness flange connector about said pipe.
3. A flange connector as set forth in Claim 2 wherein the rib is located relative to the groove such that the front surface of the flange is substantially flush with the end of the pipe.
4. A flange connector as set forth in Claim 2 wherein one of said clamping ears has an elongated radial slot and the other has an elongated radial hole, and the bolt means is loosely fitted therein to permit swingable radial motion therein prior to assembly of the flange.
5. A flange connector as set forth in Claim 2 wherein each annular segment has a radial face adapted to engage a corresponding face of another in bolting relation when assembled about the pipe.
6. A flange connector as set forth in Claim 2 wherein standard size flange holes of the same diameter extend axially through each annular segment at circumferentially and radially uniformly spaced locations from the front to A. D. Nalbandian - 1 rear face thereof; and a plurality of standard flange bolts of the same diameter are located in each of said flange holes.
7. A joint for a pair of circumferentially grooved end pipes comprising:
at least two annular flange segments for each pipe, said segments being hingedly connected at one end and adapted to be clamped together at the other end so as to form a flange coaxially encircling the pipe component;
each annular flange segment having front and rear faces substantially flush with its corresponding pipe end and a circumferentially radial face joining said front and rear faces;
a circumferential rib in the radial face extending centrally of the flange towards the rear face and projecting radially inwardly of each annular segment for engaging the groove in the pipe;
the front face having a circumferential recess axially adjacent the rib and radially adjacent the pipe when the flange is assembled thereabout;
an annular seal, adapted to be sleeveably located about the pipe engaging the recess;
each annular flange segment including radially extending complimentary and overlapping hinge ears having axially aligned through holes therein and a pin located in the holes for forming said hinge, each overlapping portion of the hinge having a thickness less than that of the annular flange segment;
A. D. Nalbandian - 1 clamping means, located at the opposite end of the annular segments, including a radially extending clamping ear for each annular segment and bolt means for drawing the clamping ears circumferentially towards each other;
each annular segment further including a radial surface adapted to abut the corresponding surface of the other whereby upon drawing the clamping means together with the rib located in the recess, the radial faces abut to form a gapless full thickness flange connector about the pipe;
and each flange having a plurality of through holes therein extending from the front to rear surfaces, said holes being the same diameter of standard size and spaced uniformly radially and circumferentially about the pipe in matching patterns when the flange is assembled, bolt means including uniform and matching standard flange bolts and nuts extending through the matching holes for securing the flanges face to face, each seal being compressed against the other and forming a leak tight seal between said pipe ends in said joint.
at least two annular flange segments for each pipe, said segments being hingedly connected at one end and adapted to be clamped together at the other end so as to form a flange coaxially encircling the pipe component;
each annular flange segment having front and rear faces substantially flush with its corresponding pipe end and a circumferentially radial face joining said front and rear faces;
a circumferential rib in the radial face extending centrally of the flange towards the rear face and projecting radially inwardly of each annular segment for engaging the groove in the pipe;
the front face having a circumferential recess axially adjacent the rib and radially adjacent the pipe when the flange is assembled thereabout;
an annular seal, adapted to be sleeveably located about the pipe engaging the recess;
each annular flange segment including radially extending complimentary and overlapping hinge ears having axially aligned through holes therein and a pin located in the holes for forming said hinge, each overlapping portion of the hinge having a thickness less than that of the annular flange segment;
A. D. Nalbandian - 1 clamping means, located at the opposite end of the annular segments, including a radially extending clamping ear for each annular segment and bolt means for drawing the clamping ears circumferentially towards each other;
each annular segment further including a radial surface adapted to abut the corresponding surface of the other whereby upon drawing the clamping means together with the rib located in the recess, the radial faces abut to form a gapless full thickness flange connector about the pipe;
and each flange having a plurality of through holes therein extending from the front to rear surfaces, said holes being the same diameter of standard size and spaced uniformly radially and circumferentially about the pipe in matching patterns when the flange is assembled, bolt means including uniform and matching standard flange bolts and nuts extending through the matching holes for securing the flanges face to face, each seal being compressed against the other and forming a leak tight seal between said pipe ends in said joint.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US65527084A | 1984-09-28 | 1984-09-28 | |
| US655,270 | 1984-09-28 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1267177A true CA1267177A (en) | 1990-03-27 |
Family
ID=24628233
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000491285A Expired CA1267177A (en) | 1984-09-28 | 1985-09-20 | Flanged connector for grooved end pipe components |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1267177A (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8448993B2 (en) | 2009-06-12 | 2013-05-28 | Romac Industries, Inc. | Pipe coupling |
| US9534714B2 (en) | 2012-03-16 | 2017-01-03 | Romac Industries, Inc. | Fitting with draw mechanism |
| US9915377B2 (en) | 2015-06-24 | 2018-03-13 | Jan Larsen | Underwater pipe assembly and method of assembling underwater pipes |
| US11274777B2 (en) | 2009-06-12 | 2022-03-15 | Romac Industries, Inc. | Pipe coupling |
-
1985
- 1985-09-20 CA CA000491285A patent/CA1267177A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8448993B2 (en) | 2009-06-12 | 2013-05-28 | Romac Industries, Inc. | Pipe coupling |
| US9303801B2 (en) | 2009-06-12 | 2016-04-05 | Romac Industries, Inc. | Pipe coupling |
| US10253909B2 (en) | 2009-06-12 | 2019-04-09 | Romac Industries, Inc. | Pipe coupling |
| US11274777B2 (en) | 2009-06-12 | 2022-03-15 | Romac Industries, Inc. | Pipe coupling |
| US9534714B2 (en) | 2012-03-16 | 2017-01-03 | Romac Industries, Inc. | Fitting with draw mechanism |
| US9915385B2 (en) | 2012-03-16 | 2018-03-13 | Romac Industries, Inc. | Fitting with draw mechanism |
| US9915377B2 (en) | 2015-06-24 | 2018-03-13 | Jan Larsen | Underwater pipe assembly and method of assembling underwater pipes |
| TWI630338B (en) * | 2015-06-24 | 2018-07-21 | 伊恩 拉森 | Large-diameter submerged pipe joint device and combined method thereof |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKLA | Lapsed |